I am very proud of this community. I have always wanted to prove that honorable people of good faith, from across all the ideological divides and perspectives, can discuss this in a way that leads to peace and understanding. Sometimes that means picking the scab so that the natural inclination to forget injustice doesn't take over. But the time comes and goes for that tactic, and when the communities, express a willingness and desire to move on to the next step......at that moment wise men and women recogize it and move to the next step. That time has come to the Mudcat. I hear uncommon wisdom in the words of Dave, Fibula Mattock, and Larry (InOBU). McMoo has always had my respect. I would like to mention also Penny and Sapper. I already know the heart of Alison, and hers is a uniquely Irish perspective. Let us resolve to move forward on this issue. It is not necessary, or even desirable, to forget the past. What is important is the motives in moving forward. It is too much to expect people that have passionately and generationally embraced a point of view to just put it aside. It is the melding of these points of view that will create the foundation of a lasting peace. But it is not to much to expect them to understand that the people of the North of Ireland from all perspectives have spoken. They want peace, they want they rule of law, and they expect the weapons to remain silent. Those that seek to subvert the peace process are doing so from a sense of desperation. This battle they will lose.
Larry, I support the humanitarian approach that you have taken. Thanks for consistently being a voice of understanding on issues that, by their very nature, are confusing. I am glad you are here.